The sun shone its socks off in honour of my birthday - I was going to take it easy today - but just had to be outside - this small glimpse of spring couldn't be wasted. Obviously the ladybirds had the same idea

Ladybird bonanza

﻿They were literally everywhere I looked - doing naughty things - see 4th from the left (top row) all enjoying a bit of sun on their backs. Whereas, I, made myself useful and did some lawn edging. I think it makes such a difference to the garden with a crisply edged lawn, my one concession to neatness.
All sorts of spring flowers decided to show themselves

Yesterday, it was a bit gloomier, but mild enough to work in - so I set to and pruned the buddleia

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before and after

﻿﻿﻿ I suspect I could have cut it back even further, but I ran out of steam - and space in the wheelie bin.

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pear tree buds

﻿ Even the pear tree decided to burst forth - I have never had a pear from this tree and it must be at least 10 years old - maybe this year will be the year.

The containers at the side of the greenhouse are now full to bursting with tulip leaves

Inside the greenhouse the broad beans are beginning to push through

as are the salad leaves that I sowed at the weekend

the tomato plants have been removed from the propagator and now live in the mini-greenhouse which is inside the greenhouse proper

and I have potted up my new dahlia tubers - sown some Hurst Greenshaft peas and planted the Lady Christl potatoes in individual pots.

So, it has been a very successful 'lazy' day and I am pleased with what I have achieved this week.

And best of all the first sowing of sweet peas have germinated. Spring has definitely 'sprung'.

It must be a bit balmier where you are, Eliane. Our fruit buds have not burst and think you have all the ladybirds..... Hope you enjoyed your birthday!BTW Love the "Make Gardens, not war" can't see the Government adopting that as their slogan.. shame!

You've got a lot more ladybirds than I have. I've seen odd ones about the garden, just waking up, although I did see one yesterday that seemed to be in a bit of a hurry. Having seen your photos, I think I know what it was looking for now.And I love your 'Make gardens, not war' slogan. Brilliant.

Look look look at all that new stuff poking through! Your pansies are welcoming their tulip friends, I see. How nice that your ladybirds have been multiplying. I see just a few here and there in my garden -- rarely a group.

Yes, well I can see you've been terribly lazy. I'm running about like a wheezy Billy Whizz at the moment - there's so much to do. I love the optimism of gardeners (me included) - "perhaps this year" - is something I'm always muttering to myself. Dave

Oh Elaine, you have been very busy! I am getting there in the garden but still lots to do.I loved a glimpse of the ladybirds, I have noticed lots of them in our garden as I have been weeding.I have tried to not disturb them!Arent there some gorgeous flowers about at the moment too?

About Me

I am a day dreamer and romantic. I like to write stories and poetry, read a good book, and tend my garden. I live deep in the heart of the countryside and love being surrounded by all that nature has to offer. My camera and journal are never far from my side as I try to record each and every moment of what is important to me.

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The mind I love must have wild places, a tangled orchard where dark damsons drop in the heavy grass, an overgrown little wood ... a pool that nobody's fathomed the depth of, and paths threaded with flowers planted by the mind. ~ Katherine Mansfield